Whoops - posted this in the wilderness forum 1st, oh well - looks like this would be a better place for it 
Yup, just got a new pack, and it's not even Blackhawk (can you believe I'm telling you this
)
So - here's the story.....
As some of you may or may not know I work with a team of guys all who wear funny little green hats (and we're not even French
)
So here we are, getting ready to go on a trip next week (they to warmer, more humid climates and me to dive medicine school in FLA, and then overseas to link up with them) when it hits us - we need carry on bags that don't all scream "military" to the people in the airport. "So just get everyone those new fangled Hydrastorms" you say.....well, that was my 1st thought also. Two problems with that: 1. There are not enough different models to outfit everyone on my team with something different and 2.Blackhawk sold 'em ALL at the shot show, and won't have more until the end of the month, after we are gone.
So - hit the computer and went to our next favorite online stores, Campmor and the REI Outlet. Both always have great stuff at excellent prices, but we went with REI outlet because their warehouse is just 10 min from my house - thereby removing the cost and delay of shipping.
We bought a bunch of bags (Army paid for 'em), but the shining star of 'em all was the.....
Kelty Mystery Ranch Roswell
Man - that picture does not do it justice.
and I quote from Kelty --
Weight: ALL: 4 lb. 9 oz.
Capacity: 2300 in3
Fabric: 600D polyester, 1000D nylon, and 3-layer laminate (420D high-tenacity nylon, 40D high- tenacity nylon, and 1200D polyester yarn)
Frame: Wrapframe TM with LightBeam plus HDPE and plastic foam
Features:
Compatible with Mystery Ranch System Works packs
Adjustable suspension system
Foam covered PE sheet with air mesh backpanel
Adjustable mesh shoulder straps for ventilation
Interchangeable pack bag to frame
Top pockets
Mesh side pockets
Includes frameset
Mesh suspension side pocket
Slab pocket
Hydration port
This bag is nice - super comfortable and one of the best internal pocket systems I have seen to date (Blackhawk, Eagle and LBT - take note) A frame on a bag of this size is something I never would have considered - but it is great!!! It will also give me the option of buying larger Kelty and Dana bags to go on this frame in the future.
I adjusted it for my size after about 15 min of playing with it (note - I now know instructions are available on Kelty's website) What a great pack. 50lbs rides like 25 in it and hiking with it is a pleasure. It is also small enough to fit in the overhead compartment of a plane (I'll verify that 100% in a few days) and is all around a super bag.
If and when you get one - go to the outlet site for REI. The regular REI.com store has it also, but for $180 instead of the outlet price of $106.
Have fun out there!
Dan
Yup, just got a new pack, and it's not even Blackhawk (can you believe I'm telling you this
)So - here's the story.....
As some of you may or may not know I work with a team of guys all who wear funny little green hats (and we're not even French
)So here we are, getting ready to go on a trip next week (they to warmer, more humid climates and me to dive medicine school in FLA, and then overseas to link up with them) when it hits us - we need carry on bags that don't all scream "military" to the people in the airport. "So just get everyone those new fangled Hydrastorms" you say.....well, that was my 1st thought also. Two problems with that: 1. There are not enough different models to outfit everyone on my team with something different and 2.Blackhawk sold 'em ALL at the shot show, and won't have more until the end of the month, after we are gone.
So - hit the computer and went to our next favorite online stores, Campmor and the REI Outlet. Both always have great stuff at excellent prices, but we went with REI outlet because their warehouse is just 10 min from my house - thereby removing the cost and delay of shipping.
We bought a bunch of bags (Army paid for 'em
), but the shining star of 'em all was the.....Kelty Mystery Ranch Roswell
Man - that picture does not do it justice.
and I quote from Kelty --
Torso Fit Range: REG: 16-22 ST: 13-19
Weight: ALL: 4 lb. 9 oz.
Capacity: 2300 in3
Fabric: 600D polyester, 1000D nylon, and 3-layer laminate (420D high-tenacity nylon, 40D high- tenacity nylon, and 1200D polyester yarn)
Frame: Wrapframe TM with LightBeam plus HDPE and plastic foam
Features:
Compatible with Mystery Ranch System Works packs
Adjustable suspension system
Foam covered PE sheet with air mesh backpanel
Adjustable mesh shoulder straps for ventilation
Interchangeable pack bag to frame
Top pockets
Mesh side pockets
Includes frameset
Mesh suspension side pocket
Slab pocket
Hydration port
This bag is nice - super comfortable and one of the best internal pocket systems I have seen to date (Blackhawk, Eagle and LBT - take note
) A frame on a bag of this size is something I never would have considered - but it is great!!! It will also give me the option of buying larger Kelty and Dana bags to go on this frame in the future.I adjusted it for my size after about 15 min of playing with it (note - I now know instructions are available on Kelty's website) What a great pack. 50lbs rides like 25 in it and hiking with it is a pleasure. It is also small enough to fit in the overhead compartment of a plane (I'll verify that 100% in a few days) and is all around a super bag.
If and when you get one - go to the outlet site for REI. The regular REI.com store has it also, but for $180 instead of the outlet price of $106.
Have fun out there!
Dan